Circuit interrupter



Fell 9 1937 o. s. JENNINGS y CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER v Original Filed Jan.5, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 9, 1937. o. s. JENNINGS 2,070,305

CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER 0 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Jan. 5, 1954 i /7mm INVENTOR @mf/am" Feb- 9, 1937# o. s. JENNlNGs CIRCUIT INTERRUPTEROriginal Filed Jan. 3, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Feb. 9, 1937CIRCUIT INTEBRUPTER Oliver 8. Jennings, Mansfield, Ohio. assignor toWestinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa., acorporation of Pennsylvania Appunti@ .mmm s. 1934, serai No. 105,011

Renewed my 11, 193s 31 Claims. (Cl. ZOO-116) My invention relatesgenerally to electrical apparatus of the type wherein a sequence ofoperations takes place automatically following the occurrence ofpredetermined conditions. More specifically, my invention relates tocircuit interrupters of the so-called automatically reclosing type andis an improvement on the device of my application Serial No. 712,577,filed February 23, 1934, to make it reclose automatically.

Circuit lnterrupters of this type usually comprise a contact means,normally held in the open or the\c1osed circuit position by a suitablebiasing means, and means operable upon the occurrence of overloads orother conditions to cause the contact means to move from one position tothe other position, to stay in the other position for a predeterminedperiod of time, and then to return, automatically, to the originalposition. In the past, these breakers have been used quite extensivelyfor controlling low voltage, moderate power circuits, such as those usedwith heating apparatus, signal and alarm systems, and the l'ke. Inrecent years, however, it has been found desirable to utilizeautomatically reclosing breakers with high voltage apparatus which maybe connected in systems or networks having considerable available power.

For these applications, the previously known devices have proven quiteunsatisfactory. Their interrupting capacity is usually limited,particularly on highly inductive circuits; few of these breakerspositively open the circuit with a snap action of the moving contacts;practically none f the devices are capable of distinguishing betweenlarge and moderate current overloads; and in addition substantially allof the previously 'known devices are costly to manufacture. It is anobject of my invention, therefore, to provide an improved automaticallyreclosing circuit in terrupter that shall be capable of positivelyinterrupting large amounts of power, that shall actuate the contactmeans with a snap action in both directions of motion, and that shall besimple in structure and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of my invention is toprovide an improved automaticallyreclosing circuit breaker that shall utilize the minimumpossible numberof parts and that shall be as nearly foolproof as is possible.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improvedautomatically* reclosing circuit breaker that shall include means forcausing the actuation of the circuit breaker substantiallyinstantaneously upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions, andafter a predetermined time delay upon the occurrence of otherpredetermined conditions.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an improved circuitbreaker that shall .3 include means operable in response to the movementof a handle member to cause the actuation of the interrupter, that shallinclude actuating means for causing the interrupter to operate as anautomatically reclosing breaker, and that l0 shall include means forselecting one or the other of the two actuating means.

An ancillary object of my invention is to provide a manually operable,trip-free circuit breaker that shall include selective means actul5 ableto cause the breaker to operate as an automatically reclosing device.

These and other objects of my invention will be made more apparent byreference to the following drawings and description of two preferred 2oembodiments of my invention. The rst of these preferred embodiments is acircuit breaker of the automatically reclosing type. and the second is acircuit breaker which includes means selective to cause the actuation ofthe contacts either in response to movement of the operating handle orthrough the operation of automatic reclosing means.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a single pole, double break circuitinterrupter of the automatically reclosing type, wherein are embodiedthe principal features of applicants invention; the cover has beenremoved to more clearly illustrate the various structural elements.

Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, are sectional views on 35 the line II'-II ofFig. l, and show the moving parts of the circuit breaker illustrated inFig. 1 in various positions assumed during the operation of the device.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view showing the lde- 4o tails of the means usedfor supporting the switch members of both modifications of applicantslnvention.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of a single pole double break circuitinterrupter which includes means responsive to the movement of anoperating handle for causing the actuation of the oontacts, and whichalso includes automatic means for causing the interrupter to operate asan automatically reclosing device. The view is taken on the lineVIII-VIII of Fig. 9.

Figs. 9, 10 and 1i are sectional views on the line IX-IX of Fig. 8 andshow the moving parts of the circuit interrupter illustrated in thatfigure in various positions, and

UJI

4tral portion of the loop (Fig. 7).

Fig. 12 is a sectional view showing a circuit interrupter embodyingthefeatures oi' my invention in use with a transformer, the entireinterrupter structure being positioned within the transformer tankbeneath the normal level of the cooling liquid disposed therein.

The automatically reclosing circuit breaker illustrated in Figs. .l to6, inclusive,A includes a pair of looped switch arms 3, preferably ofbimetallic material, which are mechanically connected to each other atone end by a suitable tie link 5, and which include contact means 'isupported at the other end; means for pivotally supporting theassemblage formed by the two interconnected switch arms 3; a pivotallysupported actuating member 9 movable between two positions; a springmeans Ii for operatively connecting the assemblage of switch arms Aandthe actuating member; and a pair of stationary contacts I3 forcooperating with the moving contacts i to open and to close the circuit.In the illustratedembodiment, the cooperating contacts are normally heldin the circuit closed position. Upon the occurrence of predeterminedconditions, the -bimetallic switch arms 3 are adapted to causesuiiicient relativev movement between the line of action oftheover-center spring il, which connects the switch arms 3 and theactuating member S, and the vpivot points of the actuating meinber andthe switch arms to cause the contacts to be moved to the open circuitposition. The

contacts then remain in this `position for a predetermined period oftime, following which the interrupter is automatically restored to theclosed circuit position. The pivot points oi the assemblage of switchmembers and the actuating member are spaced from each other in suchmanner that the contacts are moved to both the circuit closed positionand to the open circuit position with a snap action.

, The various parts of the circuit breaker are mounted upon a base I5which is preferably o molded insulating material, and, ii" desired,7 acover Ii such as that shown in Fig. 2 may be provided for enclosing 'themovingparts of the device. The' cover is likewise preferably of moldedinsulating material. Two strips of conducting material IS are supportedon the base i5 by means of screws 2 i. A portion of each of theseconducting strips I 9 extends through the upstanding side portion 23 ofthe base member I 5 in order to provide terminals for the breaker,suitable screws 25 being provided for connecting the line conductorsthereto. One of the stationary contacts I3 is aiiixedto the other end ofeach of these conducting strips I9, in order to cooperate with thesimilarly proportioned contact affixed to one end of each of thebimetallic switch arms 3.

Each of the bimetallic switch arms 3 comprises a substantially flatstrip of bimetallic material which is looped back upon itself, and whichis provided with a pivot pin 21 affixed to the cen- The ends of eachofthe two looped switch members opposite to the ends whereon thecontacts l are supported are electrically and mechanically connected bymeans of the tie member 5, which lcomprises a iiat strip of conductingmaterial riveted thereto by two rivets 29.

The inter-connected switchvarms 3 are adapted to be pivotally supportedupon two upstanding members 3I of insulating material each of which isprovided with a suitablevbearing portion 33 (Fig. 7) for engaging one ofthe pivot pins 21 aifixed to the central portion of each of the loopedswitch arms 3. Each of these upstanding members 3l engages a suitablereces 35 in the base I 5 of the circuit breaker and is adapted to beretained therein by means such as the screws Il. A U-shaped supportmember 33, which is likewise afiixed to the base I 5 by means ofsuitable screws 4 I is provided for supporting the actuating member 9,two pivot pins d3 being provided for engaging the two bearing portionsof that member. v

The actuating member 9 is substantially U- shaped and the portion 4lwhich connects the two side portions of the U is provided with anopening 49 for engaging one end of the overcenter spring I i. In orderto facilitate the operation of the interrupter, the portion of theactuating member which directly engages the spring Ii is preferablyformed as is shown in Figs.-2 to 6 with a knife edge 5i. 'Ihe other endof the overcenter operating spring il is adapted to engage a suitableopening 53' (Fig. l) and similar knife edge (not shown) provided in thetie member 5 which connects the two pivoted switch arms 3. A bracketmember 55, which is fastened to the base i5 by suitable means (notshown), is provided or Ydening the limits of motion of the actuatingmember 9, these limits being adjustable by means of the set screws 5land 5S and their associated nuts 6i.

clockwise direction about their pivot point 63 is defined by theengagement of the moving con-V tacts l with the stationary contacts i3,and the movement of the switch arms S in a clockwise direction isdeiined bythe engagement of the upper side oi the contact end of each ofthose The limit of motion of Y the interconnected switch arms 3 in acountermembers with the projection 55 that extends outassociated loopedswitch arm thence through Athe tie member 5 which connects one end oieach f oi the looped switch members, the other loomd switch member 3 andits associated contact l to the secondary stationary contact i3, andthence through the second conducting strip i?) to the other terminalportion. It will be noted, as is shown particularly in Fig. l, that thespace between the two switch members is entirely clear in order topermit free motion of the overcenter operating spring II therebetween.

The circuit breaker is shown in the closed circuit position in Fig. 2.Upon the occurrence of an overload condition, of Vsuilicient magnitudeand duration to cause appreciable heating of the bimetallic switch arms3, those members begin to move the tie member 5 in a direction away fromthe base I5 of the interrupter. So long as this movement docs not bringthe line of action Iof the overcenter spring (indicated by the lineactuating member 9 in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot point69. This component of force causes the actuating member 9 to move fromthe position shown in full in Fig. 4 to the position indicated by thedotted lines in that figure. The movement once initiated takes placewith a progressively increasing acceleration due to the fact that anymovement of the actuating member 9 from the lower position toward theupper position results in a progressive increase in the component offorce tending to produce that movement.

When the actuating member moves. as described above, from the lowerposition to the extreme upper position, the line of action of theovercenter spring Il is moved from the position indicated by the line 61in Fig. 4 to the position indicated by the line 68. That is, the line ofaction of the spring Il is moved above the pivot point 63 of theinter-connected switch members 3 thereby producing a component of forcetending to move those members in a clockwise direction about theirpivot. This results in the immediate movement of the switch members fromthe closed-circuit position to the open-circuit position (illustrated inFig. 5) where it will be noticed that the overcenter spring l I exerts acomponent of force biasing both the actuating member 9 and theinterconnected switch members 3 to the position shown.

If the circuit opening producing movement of the bimetallic switch arms3 has been caused by the flow therethrough of overload currents, theopening of the interruptor will immediately cause the interruption ofthe controlled circuit, and the switch arms will begin to cool andreturn to their normal cooled position (Fig. 2). The cooling of thebitmetallic switch members 3 moves the tie member 5 and with it` theline of action of the overcenter spring Il from the position indicatedby the line 10 in Fig. 5 to the position indicated by the line 12 inFig. 6. In this position, the overcenter spring Il exerts a component offorce tending to move the interconnected switch members 3 in acounter-clockwise direction about their pivot point 63, and since thereis no force opposing this component, the breaker is again in an unstableposition and the interconnected switch arms 3 will begin to move towardthe closed circuit position. This movement will take place with aprogressively increasing acceleration, exactly similar to thataccompanying the opening movement of the actuating member 9 and theswitch members, due to the fact that any additional movement of theswitch members results in a progressive increase in the component offorce tending td produce that movement. Thus, the interconnected switchmembers move to the closed circuit position (shown by dottedl lines inFig. 6) with a snap action. The movement of the switch members" 3 to theclosed-circuit position causes the line of action of the overcenterspring Il to be brought to a position beneath the pivot point 69 of theactuating member, as is indicated by the line 14 in Fig. 6, therebyproducing a component of force tending to mov'e the actuating member 9in a clockwise direction about its pivot point. The ultimate result ofthis is to cause the actuating member to return to the position shown inFig. 2.

Itwill be noted that during the operation of this embodiment of myinvention the contacts of the circuit interrupter are held in the closedcircuit position with a definite force up until the instant' that theline of action of the overcenter spring Il crosses the pivot point ofthe interconnected switch members 3. However, since this movement of theline of action across the pivot point of the switch members takes placeat comparatively high speed, due to the rapid accelera-- tion previouslyimparted to the actuating member l, and due to the fact that the contactmeans immediately thereafter begin to move to the opencircuit positionwith a snap action, it is proper to state that the moving contacts areheld in the clod circuit position up until the instant of contactseparation with a dennite force.

In the above description of the operation of a preferred embodiment ofmy automatically reclosing circuit interrupter, it has been assumed thatthe movement of the bimetallic switchmembersloccurredinresponsetointernalheating produced by the owtherethrough of overload current. It is quite possible, however, tocause automatic operation of the device to take place as a result ofchanges in the temperature of the medium surrounding the breaker. Thus,if the automatically recioslng circuit breaker is disposed within atransformer tank in such manner that.

the bimetailic switch arms are in contact with the oil used forinsulating the transformer (as is shown in Pig. 12), the operation ofthe breaker might result from increases in the temperature of the oilwhich were produced by internal arcing due to localized insulationbreakdown, or by prolonged small overloads, themselves not capable ofcausing sufficient internal heating ofthe bimetalof a large body of oilsuch as is found within a transformer tank will take place comparativelyslowly. This arrangement is very desirable in that it permits the use ofthe transformer or like device up until the heating induced by theoverload reaches a dangerous point, and after operation, it removes thetransformer or other equipment from the circuit for a sufiicient periodof time to assure the overload condition being brought to the attentionof the proper parties.

I'he amount of movement of the tie member 5 necessary to cause theactuation of the breaker may be readily adjusted through the set screws51 and 59 and their associated nuts 6| which together denne thelimitations of motion of the pivoted actuating member 9. These adjustingscrews permit the breaker to be calibrated over a reasonably wide rangeof current or temperature valves and in addition permit changes oradjustments in the calibration of the device to be readily made at anytime.

The details of the method which I prefer to use for pivotally supportingthe assemblage of switch arms is shown in detail in Fig. 7. The pivotpin 21, which is riveted or otherwise securely fastened to the closedportion of each of the looped switchyarms 3, is preferably formed ofa'hard bearing material. The pivot pin 21 is, as discussed previously,adapted to engage the cooperating member 33 disposed in the upperportion of each ofI the support members 3|, a suitable threaded openingbeing provided therein. The cooperating member 33 comprises asubstantially cylindrical means preferably -of hard material having aconical shaped recess 'Il therein for engaging the pointed end of thepivot hpir.. l

be in response to vmovement of the operating handle or shall beautomatic.

Generally, this modiiied form of my invention comprises a base mi ofmolded insulating material having four upstanding side portions |193integral therewith, a pair of looped switch mem bers i|l5 of bimetallicmaterial each of which is provided with a movable contact |07 affixed toone end thereof, stationary contacts |09 for cooperating with themovingicontacts, a pivoted switch actuating member ki i i, an overcenterspring ||3 for operatively connecting the pivoted switch members |05 andthe actuating member an operating handle H5, and a latch means H7 forholding the operatingr handle in one position so as to cause theinterrupter to operate as an automatically reclosing breaker. Thestationary contacts |09 and their associated conducting strips ii9 whichform the terminals of the device are exactly similar to the conductingstrips and contacts shown in the embodiment disclosed in Figs. i to 7.Likewise, the assemblage of switch members 05 and the support meanstherefor, which includes the two support members iEi are essentially thesame as the similar members disclosed in the above described embodimentof my invention.

The actuating member ii i is likewise similar to the actuating member 9described previously. It includes, however, an additional portion E23,which is adapted to be operatively engaged by the operating handle H5.This portion |23 is substantially Y shaped, as is shown in Fig. 8,

and is mechanicallyT connected to the side portions of the actuatingmember Hi by means of two rivets E25. pivotally supported, through theagency o two pivot pins 26 on a substantially Ueshaped frame member |21which, in turn, is aiiixed io the base i by a pair of suitable screws|29.

` In addition to the pins |26 which are used for supporting theactuating member, a second pair of pivot pins 93| is supported on theU-shaped frame member. These pins |3| are adapted to pivotallyy supportthe bifurcated portion |33 of the operating handle |l5, as is shownparticularly in the drawings.

The operating handle ||5, in addition to the bifurcated portion |33which engages the pivot pins |32 is provided with a handle portion |35of insulating material adapted to extend through va suitable opening |31in the cover |04, and a pair of downwardly projecting portions |39 and|4| which are adapted to provide surfaces for cooperating with the endportion |43 of the member |23 affixed to the actuating member 'I'he`surfaces provided by these downwardly projecting portions |39 and |4|are spaced some distance from each other and thereby permit theactuating member to move independently of the operating handle once themechanism of the interrupter has been set iny motion. This arrangementis of particular value in assuring the The actuating member Mi isopening and clomng of the circuit breaker contacts with a snap action,and adds much to the reliability of operation of the device.

A latching pin |45 (Fig. 8) extends outwardly from the upperslde portion|33 of the operating handle ||5. 'Ihis pin is adapted to cooperate witha pivotally `supported latching member |41, biased to the latchedposition by a suitable spring |49, to hold the operating handle in theclosed circuit position. The latching memberI |41, in turn, is providedwith a projecting member |5| of insulating material which extendsthrough a slotted opening |53 in one of the upstanding side portions |03of the base ||l|. This member 5i permits the latching member |41 to bemoved so as to disengage the operating handle and permit manualoperation of the interrupter.

The circuit breaker is shown in the normal open-circuit position in Fig.9. To close the contacts, the operating handle H5 is moved from `theposition shown in Fig. 9 to the position shown in Figs. l and 1l. Thismovement of the operat ing handle causes the downwardly projectingportions ISS and I Hand the actuating member IH to move from theposition shown in full lines in Fig. 9 to the position shown in dottedlines in Fig. 9. It will be noted that theline of action of theover-center spring ||3 has thereby been moved from a position above thepivot point i? of the assemblageof switch members (indicated by the linei 55) to a position below that pivot point (indicated by the line |59,the interrupter is thus in an unstable position, mechanically, and theswitch members |95 immediately begin to move to the closed circuitposition with a constantly increasing acceleration; due to the fact thatany movement of the switch members causes a progressive increase in theforce producing that movement. a snap action, and in moving to theclosed position, carry the line of action of the over-center spring H3from the position indicated by the line H59 to the position indicated bythe line iti, or, in other words, carry the line of action beneath thepivot point |63 of the actuating member i i i. The result of this is tocause the actuating men1- ber i i i to likewise move to the fully closedposition (Fig. l0), independently of the yoperating handle iid. v

The spacing of the surfaces provided by the downwardly projectingportions |39 and |4| is such that once the actuating member has beenmoved to a position where the closing op. eration begins (that is, to aposition where the portion |43 of the actuating member disengages thedownwardly projecting'pcrtion |39 which initiated the movement) thatmember is free to move, independently of the operating handle to theclosed circuit position, 'in' which position the actuating member iscompletely disengaged from the operating handle ||5, as is shown in Fig.iii.

In the above description of the operation of the breaker, the movementof the assemblage of switch members to the closed circuit position andthe movement of the actuating member from The contacts are thus closedwith the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9 to the is moved to theclosed-circuit position, 1t is 75` latched-in through the engagement ofthe alot III in the latching member |41 with the pin |45 aflixed to oneoi' the side portions |33 ot the handle. It it is. desired to manuallyopen the circuit controlled by the interrupter, the latching member |41is lifted and the handle is moved in a counter-clockwise direction fromthe position shown in Fig. 10. During this movement, thedownwardly'projecting portion |4| engages the portion |43 of the member|23 rigidly ailixed to the actuating member land moves that member asuillcient distance to'cause the line of action of the overcenter spring||3 to move above the pivot point of the actuating member, the center ofthe pin |26. 'Ihe portion |43 of the actuating member then disengagesthe downwardly projecting portion |4| and moves automatically, under thebiasing action oi the overcenter spring ||3 to the position shown inFig. 9. In moving to this position, the line of action of the overcenterspring |3 is carried across the pivot point |51 of switch member |05 andthose members likewise move to the open circuit position, as shown inFig. 9, with a snap action. The fact that the line of action of theover-center spring ||3 has been carried across the pivot point |51 ofthe switch member causes the switch member to remain in its open-circuitposition until the handle is moved to closed-circuit position. This isthe case even though, as described later, the interrupter is made toautomatically return to closed-circuit position when opened in responseto an over-load.

When the circuit breaker is in the position shown in Fig. 10, in whichposition the handle is held against motion in either direction by thelatch member |41, and an overload, or increase in the temperature of theambient medium occurs, the bimetallic switch arms 'lli expand in suchmanner that the tie member |61\is moved away from the base ||I| of thecircuit breaker. It the overload or increase in ambient temperature isof suillcient magnitude and duration to cause the tie member |81 to bemoved -from the Y position shown in i'ull lines in Fig. l0 to a positionsubstantially coinciding with that shown in dotted lines in Fig. 10, theline of action of the overcenter spring ||3 will be carried across thepivot point of the actuating member III (that is, from the positionindicated by the line |63 to the position indicated by the line |1|) andthe spring will exert a component biasing that member in acounter-clockwise direction. The immediate result is to cause theactuating member to move from the position shown in Fig. 10 to theposition shown in Fig. l1, the limit oi the counterclockwise motionbeing dened by the engagement of the portion |43 of the actuating memberwith the downwardly projecting member |33 which comprises a part'oi theoperating handle H5. As the actuating member moves about 4its pivotpoint, the line of action of the overcenter spring is carried above thepivot point of the assemblage of switch members (that is,'from thepositioned indicated by the line |1| to the position indicated by theline |13) thereby causing those members to be moved from the closedcircuit position (Fig. 10) to the open circuit position (Fig. l1) with asnap action. The various elements of the interrupter are then in theposition shown in Fig. 1l.

As the bimetallic switch arms cool, either due to the interruption of anoverloadcurrent ilowing therethrough, or because of changes in theambent temperature, the tie member |31, and with it the line oi actionof the overcenter spring. is moved from the position shown in full linesin Pig. 11 to the pomtion shown in dotted lines in Fig. 11. In thislatter position, the assemblage oi' switch members is biased to theclosed circuit position, and, of course, begins to move immediately tothat position. As this movement progresses, the line oi' action of theovercenter spring ||3 is carried beneath the pivot point of theactuating member and that member disengages the operating handle andmoves automatically back to the position shown in Fig. 10. 'I'he breakerthus operates as an automatically reclosing breaker when the handle H5is latched in the closedcircuit position. A

Both the opening and closing operations once initiated take placesubstantially instantaneously, thus the contacts are held in the closedcircuit position by a definite force up until the final stages of thecircuit opening operation and are then moved from the closed position tothe open circuit position with a snap action. Likewise, the contacts areclosed with a snap action and once they have engaged, are held in suchengagement with a very appreciable force, comparable in magnitude to thenormal contact pressure securing force. Through this arrangement, I havemade possible a thermally responsive circuit breaker which is capable ofcarrying reasonably high currents, and which is capable of interruptingvery considerable amounts oi power.

'I'he downwardly projecting portions |38 and |4| which provide opposedsurfaces for engaging the actuating member comprise in effect a lostmotion connection between the operating handle ||5 and the actuatingmember Thus, even though the handle ||5 is held in the closed-circuitposition, manually or through the agency of the latching means ||1, thebreaker will open automatically upon the occurrence of overload or otherconditions. The interrupter may be said, therefore, to be entirely tripfree oi' the operating handle.

One feature oi' my invention which is common to both embodiments of myinvention and which has not previously been discussed, is thearrangement of the looped switch arms (3 and |05) and the eilect thereonof the magnetic reactions resulting from the ilow therethrough of heavyoverload currents. It will be noted, as is shown particularly in thedrawings, that the current path through both of these members is, byvirtue of their looped construction, substantially in oppositedirections. Thus, when very heavy overload currents ilow therethroughthe magnetic repulsion existing between the opposed side portions oi theswitch arms may be sulcient to move the time member to a position whereautomatic operation of the breaker will be caused to take place. In theautomatic reclosing breaker, this arrangement gives added protection tothe connected equipment due to the -iact that the breaker will opensubstantially instantaneously upon the occurrence oi' transientoverloads o! very large magnitude, thus limiting the current flow in theprotected equipment and preventing damage thereto, and yet at the sametime will reclose resiliency of the switch members themselv and v thusis not readily adjustable when the design has been decided upon.However, it rarely occurs that much flexibility in this regard is eitherdesired or necessary, because overloads upon whic instantaneousoperation is desired are ordinarily of a magnitude many times themaximum safe overload that the protected device can carry for anyappreciable length of time.

From the above, it will be seen that I have disclosed a new and improvedautomatic reclosing circuit interrupter which is simpler in design andmore reliable in operation than the previously known devices of thistype, which opens and closes the cooperating contacts with a snap actionand which is responsive either to the current :dowing in the controlcircuit or to the temperature of the ambient medium.

In addition, I have disclosed an automatically recloslng breaker,4having the above-described desirable characteristics, which include anoperating handle manually or otherwise movable to eect operation of thebreaker, and which includes selective means whereby the operation of theinterruptor may be eected in response to movement of the operatinghandle or automatically as an automatically recloslng breaker.Furthermore, the automatically reclosing breaker, according to myinvention is entirely trip free of the operating handle and is assubstantially fool proof in operationr as is known in the art at thepresent time.

While, in accordance with the patent statutes, I have disclosed thedetails of two preferred embodiments of my invention, itis to beunderstood that many of the details disclosed are merely illustrated andthat variations in their precise form will be both necessary anddesirable in certain applications. I desire, therefore, that `thelanguage of the accompanying claims shall be accorded the broadestreasonable construction and that my invention shall be limited only bywhat is expressly stated therein and by the prior art.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a thermostatic device, a member having at least a portion thereofof thermally responsive material, one end of said mem r being movablebetween two extreme positions the operation of said device, means forpivotally supporting said member intermediate its ends, the other end ofsaid member being movable, upon the occurrence of predeterminedconditions, without moving said first-mentioned end to actuate said de-`vice, and means operablein responseto the movement of said other end tocause said iirst-mentioned end to move from one extreme position to theother with a snap action and to automatically return to its originalposition.

, 2. In a thermostatic device, a member having atl least a portionthereof of thermally responsive material, one end of said member beingmovable between two extreme positionsV during the operations of saiddevice, meansfor pivotally supporting said member intermediate its ends,the other end of said member being movable, upon the occurrence ofpredetermined conditions, withmovable between two extreme positions inorder that said contact means may be moved to an open-draait positionand to a closed-circuit position, means for plvotally supporting saidmember intermediate its ends, the other end of said member beingmovable, upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions, withoutcausing substantial movement o! said end upon which said con- 'l tactmeans is supported, and means operable in response to the movement ofsaid other end to cause said contact supporting end to move said contactmeans from one position to the other and to automatically return saidcontact means to its original position upon the occurrence of apre-`determined condition.

4. In a circuit interrupter, a switch member comprising a hat strip ofbimetallic material, contact means supported adjacent one end ci saidmember, said end being movable between two extreme positions to eiiectthe movement of said contact means to the open-circuit and to theclosed-circuit position, means for pivotally supporting said memberintermediate `its ends, the other end of said member being movable, uponthe occurrence of predetermined conditions, independently of said endupon which said contact means is supported, and means operable inresponse to the movement of said other end to cause said contactsupporting end to move said contact means from one position to the otherwith a lsnap action `and to automatically return said contact means toits original position likewise with a snap action.

5. In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable between two extremepositions to open and to close the circuit, and operating means forcausing said movable means to move from one extreme position to theother extreme position upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions,and to automatically return to the original position upon the occurrenceof other predetermined conditions, said operating means including apivoted contact actuating :member having at least a portion thereof of`thermally responsive material, and an overcenter springor moving saidactuating member to the open-crcuit and to the closed-circuit positionwith a snap action, said portion of thermally responsive material beingmovable when heated to cause relative movement between the line ofaction of said spring and the pivot point of said actuating member.

6. In :a circuit interruptor, contact means movable between two extremepositions to open and to close the circuit, and operating means forcausing said contact means to move from one extreme position to theother, withfa snap action, upon the occurrence of predeterminedconditions, and to automatically return to the original position,likewisewith a snap action, upon the occurrence of other predeterminedconditions, said operating means including a pivoted contact actuatingmem ber having at least a portion thereof of bimetallic material, asecond pvoted member, and an overlso members, said portion o! bimetallicmaterial being movable upon the occurrence o!- predetermined conditions'to cause suilcient relative movement between the line of action of saidspring' and the pivot point o! said actuating member to eilect theactuation of said interrupter.

7. In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable between two extremepositions to open and to close the circuit, and operating means forcausing said contact means to movefrom one extreme position to theother, with a snap action, upon the occurrence of predeterminedconditions, and to automatically return to the original position,likewise with a snap action, upon the occurrence of other predeterminedconditions, said operating means including a pivoitedl contact actuatingmember having at least a portion thereof of bimetallic material, asecond member pivotally supported at a point spaced some distance fromthe point oi support of said actuating member. and an over-center springmeans connectedat one end to each of said pivoted members, said portiono! bimetallic material being movable upon the occurrence ofpredetermined conditions to cause sufiicient relative movement betweenthe line of action of said spring and the pivot points of said pivotedmembers to eiect the actuation of said interrupter.

8. In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable between two extremepositions to open and to close the circuit, and actuating means forsaid.-

contact means, said actuating means including an operating handlemovable, through the application thereto of a suitable force, to causesaid contact means to move from one position to the other,

and means automatically operable, independently able between two extremepositions to open and to close the circuit, and actuating means for saidcontact means, said actuating meansincluding an operating membermovable, through the application thereto of a suitable force, to causesaid contact means to move from one position to the other, automaticmeans operable upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions to causesaid contact means to move from one position to the other and toautomatically return to the original position after a time delay, andselective means for causing the operation of said interrupter to be inresponse to movement of said operating member or in response to theactuation of said automatic means.

l0. In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable to an open-circuitand 'to a closed-circuit po spective of the position of said handlemeans, and

means automatically operable to cause said interrupter to return to saidfirst position, upon the occurrence of other predetermined conditions,following the operation of said electro-responsive means.

11. In a circuit interrupter. contact means movtact means to move fromone position to the oth-' ableto anopen-circuitandtoaclosed-circuitposition, and actuating' means 'for said contact means, said actuatingmeans -including a handle meros-movable to causesaid contact means tomove from one position to the other, electro-responsive means operableupon the occurrence oi predetermined conditions to cause saidinterrupter to move from one positionto the other, irrespective o! thepodtion of said handle means, means,

. operable when said handle means is heldin a predetermined position, tocause said interrupter to return automatically to said rst position,following the operation of said electro-responsive means, and releasablemeans for holding said handle means in said predetermined position.

l2. In a .circuit interrupter, contact means movable between-twopositions to open and to close the circuit, and actuating means for saidcontact means, said actuating means including a handle member movablekto cause said contact means to move -Irom one position to the other,means for restraining said handle in one position, and means operableupon the occurrence of predetermined conditions, when said handle isheld in lone position by said restraining means, to causeysaid .contactmeans to move from one positiongz'fto'f-the other and to automaticallyreturn-tothe original positionupon the occurrence'of other conditions. l18.Infa;` circuit interrupter, contact means movable'betweentwo'positions to open and to close "the circuit, and actuating means forsaid contact means, saidactuating means including a liandlemembermovable to cause said contact rne'ans to mov'e'irom one position to theother, witlfia.v snap action, releesable means for restrainingaid`handle in one position, and means oparable upon the occurrence oiApredetermined conditions, when said handle is held in one position bysaid restraining means, to cause said coner with a snap actionV and toautomatically retin-n to the original position likewise with a snapaction after the occurrence of other conditions.

14. In a circuit interrupter, contact means rmovable to an open-circuitand to a closed-circuit position, and actuating means for said contactmeans, said actuating means including means which is operable upon theoccurrence of predetermined conditions to cause said contact means tomove from one position with e.l snap action to the other position, toremain in said other position for a predetermined short interval oftime, and to then return to said first position, likewise with a snapaction, and which is operable upon the occurrence -of otherpredetermined conditions `to cause said contact means to move from foneposition to the otherv position with a snap action, to remain in saidother position for a predetermined .longer interval of time, and to thenreturn to said ilrst position also with a snap action. v

l5.` In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable to an open-circuitand to a closed-circuit position, and actuating means for said contactmeans, said actuating means including a `handle means movable to causesaid contact moans to move from one position to the other and springmeans operatively interposed between sr-id handle means and-said contactmeans for causing said contact means to move with a snap 'ac-tion toeach of said positions upon movement of said handle means,electroresponsiv'e means operable upon the occurrence of predeterminedconditions to cause said interrupter to move from movable to anopen-circuit and to a closed-cir-f cuit position, and actuating meansfor said contact means, said actuating means including a handle meansAmovable vto cause said contact means to move from one position to theother,

electro-responsive means operable upon the occurrence of predeterminedconditions to cause said interrupter to move from one position to theother, irrespective ofthe position of said handie means, meansautomatically operable to cause said interrupter to return to said firstposition,

- upon the occurrence of other predetermined conditions following theoperation of said electroresponslve means, and said handle means beingincapable o1' returning said contact means to said rst position afterthe occurrence of the first Isaid predetermined conditions until theoccurrence of said other predetermined conditions.

1'1.' In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable to an open-circuitand to a closed-circuit position, and actuating means for said contactmeans, said actuating vmeans including a handle means 'movable to causesaid contact means to move from one position to the other and springmeans operatively interposed between said handle means and said contactmeans for causing said contact means to move with a snap action to eachof said positions upon movement of said handle means, electro-responsivemeans operable upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions to causesaid interrupter to vmove from one position to the other, irrespectiveof the position of said handle means,v means automatically operable tocause said interrupter to return to said rst position, upon theoccurrence of other predetermined conditions, following the operation ofsaid electro-responsive means, and said handle means being incapableofreturning said' Contact means to said first position after theoccurrence of the iirst said predetermined conditioiis` until theoccurrence of said other predetermined conditions.

18. In a circuit interrupter,v contact means movable between two extremepositions to open and to close the electrical circuit through saidinterrupter, and actuating means for said contact means. said actuatingmeans including an operating member, an over-center spring associatedtherewith, said operating member being movable to cause said over-centerspring to move said contact means from one'position to the other with a'snap action, and automatic means operable upon the occurrence ofpredetermined conditions to cause said over-center spring to move saidcontact means from onev position tothe other, irrespective of theposition of said operating memn 6 ber, with a snap action, and toautomatically return said contact means to the original position after atime delay.

19. In a circuit interrupter, a stationary contact means, a pivotallysupported switch arm for cooperating therewith to open and to close theelectrical circuit through said interrupter, and actuating means forsaid switch arm, said actuating means including an operating handle, anover-center spring intermediate said'operating handle and said switcharm, said operating handle being movable to cause said over-centerspringto move said switch arm to either the open circuit or the closedcircuit position with a snap' action, and autom tic means operableindependover-center spring to move said switch arm from one position tothe other and to automatically return said switch arm to the originalposition after a predetermined time delay, said automatic meansincluding a thermally responsive bimetallic means which is movable tocause a displacement, relative to the pivot point of said switch arm, ofthe line of action of said over-center spring.

20. In a circuit interrupter, a stationary contact means, a pivotallysupported switch arm for cooperating therewith to open and to close theelectrical circuit through said interrupter, and actuating means forsaid switch arm, said actuating means including an operating member, anover-center spring intermediate said operating member and said switcharm, said operating member being movable to cause said over-centerspring to move said switch arm to either the open circuit or the closedcircuit position with a snap action, and automatic means operable uponthe occurrence of predetermined conditions to cause said over-centerspring to move said switch arm from the closed-circuit position to theopen-circuit position with a snap action, irrespective of the positionof said operating member, and'to automatically return said switch arm tothe closed-circuit position following a predetermined time delay, saidautomatic means including a current-carrying bimetallic means which ismovable to cause a displacement, relative to the pivot point of saidswitch arm, of the line of action of said over-center spring, and meansfor causing said current carrying bimetallic' means to be energized inresponse to the current flowing in the circuit controlled by saidinterrupter."

21. In a circuit interrupter, contact means` movable to an open-circuitand to a closed-circuit position, and actuating means for said contactmeans, said actuating means including an over-center spring, a handlemeans movable to .cause said over-center spring to move said contactmeans from either position to the other with a snap action,current-carrying bimetallic means operable upon the occurrence' ofpredetermined conditions to cause said over-center spring to move saidcontact means from the closed-circuit position to the open-circuitposition, irrespective of the position of said handle means,

and means automatically operable to cause said over-center spring toreturn said contact means to said iirst position upon the occurrence ofpredetermined conditions following the operation of saidelectro-responsive means.

22. In a circuit interrupter, a, contact means movable to an opencircuit and to a closed circuit K position, an actuating means for saidcontact f means including a handle, means operable in response tomovement of said handle to move said contact means from one position tothe other' with a snap action, electro-responsive means operable uponthe occurrence of predetermined conditions to cause said conta-ct meansto be moved from one position to the other, irrespective ofthe positionof said handle means, and i means automatically operable to cause saidcontact means to .be returned to said ilrst position upon the occurrenceof other predetermined conditions following the operation of saidelectroresponsive means.

23. In a circuit interrupter, a contact means movable to an open and toa closed circuit position, an actuating means for said contact meansincluding a handle, means operable in response to movement of saidhandle to move said contact means from one position to the other with asnap action, electro-responsive means operable upon the occurrence ofpredetermined conditions to cause said contact means to be moved fromthe closed circuit position to the open circuit position with a snapaction, ir` respective of the position of said handle, and meansautomatically operable to cause said contact means to be returned tosaid closed circuit position, likewise with a snap action, upon theoccurrence of other predetermined conditions following the operation oi'said electro-responsive means.

24. In electrical apparatus, means movable between two extreme positionsto eiIect the operation of said apparatus, and actuating means for saidmovable means, including a currentcarrying, thermally responsive meansoperable upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions to cause saidmovable means to move from one of said two extreme positions to theother and to automatically return to the initial position after apredetermined time delay, the current-carrying path through saidthermally responsive element being so arranged that upon the occurrenceof other predetermined conditions said actuating means is caused to movesaid movable means from one of said two extreme positions to the otherand to automatically return to the initial position after a differentpredetermined time delay.

25. In electrical apparatus, means movable between two extreme positionsto effect the operation of said apparatuaand actuating means for saidmovable means, including means operable upon the occurrence ofpredetermined conditions to move said movable means from one of said twoextreme positions to the other with a snap action, to cause said movablemeans to remain in said other position for a predetermined shortinterval of time, and to then return said movable means to said rstposition, likewise with a snap action, and operable upon the occurrenceof other predetermined conditions to move said movable means from oneposition to the other with a snap action, to cause said movable means toremain in said other position for a predetermined longer interval oftime, and to then return said movable means to said .rst position alsowith a snap action.

26. In electrical apparatus, means movable between two extreme positionsto effect the operation of said apparatus, and actuating means for saidmovable means, including means for establishing a loopedcurrent-carrying path through said interrupter, at least a portion ofsaid path comprising a member of thermally responsive material, which ismovable from a normal inoperative position to an operative position, andmeans operablein response to movement of said member to said operativeposition to cause said movable means to be moved from one` of said twopositions to the other and to be returned automatically to the initialposition, said movable portion being movable to said operative positioneither in response to the heating effect of the current ilowing throughsaid electroresponsive element or in response to themagneticeilectreaultingfromsaidloopedcunent carrying path.

27. In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable to an open-circuitand to a closed-circuit position, and actuating means for said contactmeans, said actuating means including a handle means movable to causesaid contact means to move from. one position to the other, thermallyresponsive means heated upon the occurrence of predetermined conditionsto cause said interrupter to move from one position to the other,irrespective of the position of said handle means, and said thermallyresponsive means being operable to cause said interrupter to return tosaid first position, upon cooling.

28. In a circuit interrupter, separable contacts for opening and forclosing the electrical circuit through said interrupter, actuating meansfor said separable contacts including an operating member movable tonormally cause said contacts to move either to the open or to theclosed-circuit position, electro-responsive means operable upon theoccurrence of predetermined conditions to cause said actuating means tomove said contacts to the open circuit position, and means operable onlyafter said contacts have been moved to the open-circuit position as aresult of the actuation of said electro-responsive means, for causingsaid actuating means to return said interrupter automatically to theclosed-circuit position.

29. In an automatically reclosing circuit breaker, contact means movableto an open and to a closed-circuit position, actuating means for saidcontact means including an operating member which is movable between twopositions to cause said contact means to be moved to the open or to theclosed-circuit position, electro-rponsive means operable upon theoccurrence of predetermined conditions to cause said actuating means tomove said contact means to the opencircuit position, and means forcausing said actuating means to automatically reclose said contact meansfollowing each opening operation which is caused by saidelectro-responsive means, said means for causing automatic reclosingbeing inoperative when said contacts are moved to the open-circuitposition by movement of said operating member.

30. In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable to an open and to aclosed-circuit position, actuating means for said contact meansincluding manually operable means for causing said contact means to bemoved to the open or to the closed-circuit position, electro-responsivemeans operable upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions to causesaid actuating means to move said contact means to the open-circuitposition independently of the position of said manually operable means,and means for causing said actuating means to automatically return saidcontact means to the closed-circuit position following each openingoperation caused by the operation of said electro-responsive means, saidmeans for causing automatic reclosing being operable only after thoseopening operations which are caused by said electro-responsive means.

31. In a circuit interrupter, contact means movable to an open and to aclosed-circuit position, actuating means for said contact meansincluding an over-center spring means and an operating member, which ismovable to cause said over-center spring means to move said contactmeans from one position to the other with automatically to theclosed-circuit position upon the occurrence of a predetermined conditionfollowing each opening operation which is caused by. the operation ofsaid electro-responsive means.

OLIVER s. JENNmGs.

